Pain

 I’m thinking today of how we deal with pain - both physically and emotionally. It’s a really interesting phenomenon that I think we eventually learn to live with, but how do we do that? I wrote about pain a couple years ago when I had a leg procedure that caused some exquisite new pain in a way I hadn’t felt before. I then talked about the curiosity of pain. Instead let's look at how we cope with it. Some people don’t mention it - shoving it down in their minds somehow through willpower. Some people really suffer with pain - feeling it intensely with seemingly no way to escape it. Some people medicate with prescription drugs or alcohol. Others seek holistic ways of escaping it such as meditation or awareness training. There are older medical practices such as acupuncture or massage that also work for some. Most of these solutions work for both physical and emotional pain. Personally I usually look at pain's role in my life. Is it teaching me something? Is it something I am causing myself? Is it something I can avoid with a different outlook or different approach? Is it something I can solve through diet or exercise? I’ve found that not all pain is bad. I have to be careful not to relish in pain, but living with it a little bit does season my life with a bit of excitement. It’s kind of like eating a hot pepper for me - a little pain from heat makes my tongue tingle and my endorphins fire which reminds me I’m alive and here to experience life.  It also makes me have more facets of awareness and wisdom. 

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What have I been up to?

Last week I had a few senior facilities which were very enjoyable. It was fairly hot, so I did have to reschedule my Friday outdoor facility though. The cool down this week will be very appreciated. 

My Thursday online show featured Fall songs which was a lot of fun. These songs really make the season feel right. If you’d like to watch it the replay is on Facebook and my website. My website has a new page dedicated to my online concerts. 

facebook.com/tom.munch

tommunch.com/online-concerts 

My Sunday online show was very enjoyable too. We were all over the board with diverse requests of rock, folk, cowboy, and original songs. The replay is up in the same two places as above if you want to see it. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have three or four senior facilities this week. I’m starting to lose touch with some of my facilities as folks are moving around. They are going through a pretty tough time there. My heart really goes out to the residents and staff. I wish there was something more I could do to help. 

Thursday 7-8:30 mountain time my themed online show will feature the music of The Eagles. I’ve always loved their music, and I hope you’ll tune if you like them too. Again the link for my website is new. 

facebook.com/tom.munch

tommunch.com/online-concerts

Sunday 7-8:30 mountain time my favorites show will feature some good favorites and requests. I had some really interesting and challenging songs suggested this last week, so this show promises to be really good. Same links as above. 

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That’s it for this week. I’m mulling over other things to say about pain. I’ve always kind of masochistically liked pain in my life although I’d rather not have so much at times. I know other people live with much more pain than me, but I’m grateful for the chance to live and experience all the pain and joy that life brings. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing an Online Concert of Eagles songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts 

When:  Thursday, October 1, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing an Online Concert of favorites and requests

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts 

When:  Sunday, October 4, 7-8:30 pm mountain